December 28, 1985|by DAVID M. ERDMAN And JEFFREY G. FLEISHMAN, The Morning Call

Lehigh County Executive David K. Bausch is being coaxed by Republican party leaders and financial backers to seek the state Senate seat held by two-term incumbent Guy M. Kratzer, whose drunken driving charge has made him a political liability.

The Morning Call has learned that state Senate leadership has discussed a Senate candidacy with Bausch and that the effort to draft the 54-year-old county executive will culminate soon when high-level party officials and financial backers meet with Bausch on the possible candidacy.

Speculation about the GOP's waning support for Kratzer has intensified with two recent polls indicating Kratzer might have problems holding onto the seat if challenged by Democrat Roy C. Afflerbach, state representative in Allentown's 131st District who recently announced he will run for Senate.

"If there is a problem in a tight race between between Roy Afflerbach and Guy Kratzer," said Lehigh County Republican Party Chairman Charles E. Mackenzie, "you bring in someone like Dave Bausch and he certainly would win hands down."

The move to push Bausch toward a Senate race is not coming directly from the Lehigh County Republican Committee. Mackenzie said he's heard "rumors" of an effort outside the committee organization to influence Bausch, but added, "I don't know who is fully behind it."

Political sources on the state level indicate that although the party is not happy about attempting to force Kratzer out of the race, Kratzer's recent indications that he will run have pushed party leaders to enlist Bausch to retain secure control the 16th Senatorial District seat.

Kratzer's unpopularity within his party has been further emphasized by other sources who said that major GOP backers have decided not to commit money to a Kratzer campaign. The sources said this is part of a strategy to nudge Kratzer out of a race and to allow Bausch to run unopposed in the primary. Mackenzie said his "understanding is that (Kratzer) is interested in running."

Kratzer did not return several calls to his Allentown office and his home by Morning Call reporters over the last two days.

Kratzer's seat is critical to the GOP, noted State Party Chairman Robert Asher, because it is one of two seats that give Senate Republicans the voting edge. Asher said he would leave the decision about Kratzer's seat up to Senate leadership but added, "We are extremely interested in making sure we maintain control of the Senate, and we must secure the best possible candidate to do the job."

Bausch met about two months ago in Harrisburg with Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer when "the subject of the political situation in the 16th Senate District came up," according to Jubelirer's staff administrator Michael Long. Jubelirer could not be reached for comment.

Republican party sources say those leading the Senate draft believe Bausch's wide bipartisan community support would make him a strong Senate contender. They noted the Democratic party's inability to deliver a candidate to run against Bausch in his three consecutive races for county executive.

Bausch said Republican party leaders have "talked to me" about a Senate race. But he said, "I haven't made any decisions.

"If I make a decision it will be closer to the filing date in February. . . . There are a lot of things to consider." Bausch added, "We all look for new challenges."

Bausch, a former nursing home administrator known nationwide for his expertise on elderly care, said health care issues would be a major force pushing him toward state office. "The state (Legislature)," he added, "really doesn't have anyone with a health care background.

"But remember, I still have to get sworn in as county executive," he added.

Bausch's inauguration is set for Jan. 6.

Bausch said both he and the party would want to avoid a primary fight with Kratzer. When asked if he would run if Kratzer withdrew, Bausch said, "It would certainly make it more attractive."

Speculation that Bausch might seek higher office began during his most recent campaign for county executive, when he raised $16,000 for a campaign in which he faced no opposition. Bruce Viechnicki, Bausch's campaign finance chairman, explained the surplus at the time, saying whatever funds unused in the county executive campaign would remain in an account "for future political endeavors."

Campaign spending reports filed this month in Lehigh County Courthouse show Bausch spent only $6,635 on his campaign, leaving a $10,000 balance.

Sources within the Republican party say that those targeting Bausch for the Senate seat believe he would be one of few area GOP elected officials with a wide enough political base to beat Kratzer in the primary and Afflerbach in the general election.

Bausch's possible candidacy for the Senate was discussed earlier this month by the Lehigh County Republican Party's candidate search committee. But an official who attended the meeting said "nothing definite" came out of the discussion.